Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health
Consultation on Patient Input into Common Drug Review Assessments
 
January 27, 2010

Introduction to the Best Medicines Coalition:
 
As a national alliance of patient organizations, the Best Medicines Coalition welcomes the opportunity to participate in the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) consultation regarding patient input into Common Drug Review (CDR) assessments.  Meaningful patient engagement and mechanisms for incorporating patient input are concepts which the Best Medicines Coalition believes are vital to bringing relevance to the health technology review process. Comprehensive reviews of pharmaceutical treatments must encompass a range of data and expert input, including that of patients.  
 
The Best Medicines Coalition is comprised of Canadian patient organizations and individual patient advocates who share a commitment to ensuring safe, timely and equitable access to evidence-based medicines for all Canadians.   Representing millions of patients living with or affected by chronic disease or other illnesses, the organization is engaged in a range of related policy discussions, including pharmaceutical review, reimbursement, treatment, life cycle management and safety issues.  As a patient-driven organization, the Best Medicines Coalition develops positions independently from private sector or government organizations. 

To read the full submission, click here (PDF file).